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Glekeria Kalathas is in charge of hiring people at Actalent, a consulting firm that helps the engineering and science industries find good employees. Kalathas has over eight years of experience in recruitment. Kalathas and her team hire more than 1,000 new recruiters, career counselors, and direct-to-sales account managers every year.
We talked to Kalathas as part of Forage’s ongoing “Hiring Diaries” series to learn more about how Actalent hires students and entry-level workers. In this interview, she discusses:
Interviewing at Actalent can feel intimidating. You want to make sure you bring your A-game because the company is known for being an innovative engineering and science firm that helps clients with tough problems.
Luckily, being prepared with smart answers to common Actalent interview questions can set you up for success I’ve compiled the top 15 questions asked in Actalent interviews based on feedback from candidates on sites like Glassdoor and Indeed
Whether you have an interview scheduled or just want to get a head start on prep, read on to learn exactly what to expect and how to craft winning responses. With these Actalent interview tips you’ll have the confidence to ace the interview and get the job!
1. Why Do You Want to Work at Actalent?
This common question tests your knowledge about the company and the sincerity of your interest. Actalent wants to know you’ve done your research about their services and culture.
How to Answer
Highlight Actalent’s reputation for tackling complex engineering and sciences challenges. Mention being drawn to their innovative approach and commitment to connecting passion with purpose. Share why their company values and dedication to diversity align with your own principles. Show you understand their focus areas like aerospace, healthcare, and construction.
“I’m thrilled about the chance to use my skills in a dynamic, cutting-edge company like Actalent.” After learning more about the company, I’m impressed by how many industries you work with and how hard problems you take on. Your collaborative approach and focus on purpose-driven work really resonates with me. I also appreciate your commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. I’m sure I could make a big difference, especially in the healthcare field, where I’ve worked to make things run more smoothly before. “.
2. What Can You Bring to Actalent That Would Make You a Great Fit?
With this question, interviewers want to understand your unique strengths and how they would add value. It’s a chance to sell yourself.
How to Answer
Pick out two to three skills or strengths that will help you do well in the job. Provide specific examples that demonstrate these abilities. Focus on your subject knowledge, technical skills, ability to solve problems, desire to learn, or ability to build relationships—whatever is most important to you.
Example: “I believe I can bring a solutions-oriented mindset and relentless work ethic. In past roles, I’ve been praised for my perseverance in tackling complex engineering challenges others deemed impossible. For example, at my last company I led development of a novel quality control automation system that reduced defects by 30%. I also have strong technical knowledge in embedded systems, which I understand is a focus area for many of your clients. And I’m intensely passionate about contributing to innovations that change lives.”
3. How Do You Handle a Heavy Workload or Challenging Project?
Actalent needs people who thrive under pressure. This question tests your strategies when faced with high demands.
How to Answer
Share how you prioritize effectively, focus on the most mission-critical tasks, and collaborate with others to ensure successful outcomes. Provide an example of a high-pressure scenario you navigated smoothly. Emphasize calmness under stress.
Example: “I leverage tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to maintain focus on high-impact priorities, especially when workloads are heavy. For example, when we were understaffed for a complex project recently, I worked with my manager to identify the most business-critical deliverables and reallocated resources appropriately. We brought in cross-functional team members through collaboration. Despite tight timelines, we achieved our goals through structured communication and diligent focus on the top objectives.”
4. How Do You Stay Up-To-Date on Engineering/Science Best Practices and Emerging Technologies?
Actalent prioritizes innovation, so they want people who actively enrich their knowledge. Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning.
How to Answer
Share the strategies you use to continually build your skills – attending conferences, reading industry publications, networking with peers, taking online courses etc. Provide examples of emerging technologies you’ve recently learned.
Example: “I make learning a daily habit through sources like industry journals, newsletters, podcasts, and online courses. For example, I recently completed a course on digital twins technology to expand my simulation and modeling expertise. I also attend 2-3 industry conferences annually to connect with experts on the latest breakthroughs. Within my network, I participate in a monthly virtual book club focused on professional development. I’m genuinely passionate about staying sharp and evolving along with the incredible pace of technological advancement today.”
5. Tell Me About a Time You Made a Mistake. How Did You Handle It?
Since mistakes are inevitable, interviewers want to know what you learned. Showcase accountability, reflection, and growth.
How to Answer
Share a real example of a mistake you made and avoid phrases like “I can’t think of any.” Explain the situation, actions you took post-mistake, and key learnings that helped you improve. Focus on the positives.
Example: “As a junior engineer, I once made an error in designing system requirements for a client. Unfortunately, the gaps were not identified until design was complete. To remedy the situation, I immediately consulted with senior engineers to understand the best resolution path. I then reviewed my process to prevent such oversights moving forward. From that point on, I instituted more rigorous cross-checking of requirements. I learned just how vital attention to detail is, as well as the importance of seeking guidance from experts. Today, I double-check my work and encourage input from colleagues with more experience.”
6. How Do You Handle Disagreements with Colleagues?
This question assesses your conflict management abilities and communication skills. Actalent wants team players.
How to Answer
Illustrate your calm, constructive approach by sharing an example. Emphasize listening first, finding common ground, and compromising respectfully. Say you focus on resolving the issue rather than proving you are right.
Example: “When a colleague and I disagreed on technical specifications for a client project, I set up a 1-on-1 meeting in a private setting conducive to open dialogue. I made it clear I respected their perspective and wanted to find the best solution together. We discussed our differing views candidly yet professionally. Ultimately, we found a middle ground by combining aspects of both approaches. It was a good reminder to me that listening and compromise is key.”
7. Why Are You Looking to Leave Your Current Job?
This question digs into your motivations to ensure you’re moving for the right reasons. Avoid bad-mouthing your employer.
How to Answer
Provide positive, diplomatic reasons centered on personal/professional growth and excitement about Actalent specifically. If your current job lacks learning/advancement potential, say so respectfully.
Example: “I’ve learned an immense amount in my current role, but I’m now hoping to apply my skills on more complex, mission-critical projects. Actalent is doing exactly the type of highly-innovative work I’m looking for in my next step. Your intense focus on cutting-edge technology for sectors like aerospace deeply inspires me. I can also see ample opportunities for continuous learning and mentorship here. For these reasons, I believe making the move now is the right next career step for me.”
8. Why Should We Hire You Over Other Candidates?
Here is your chance to summarize your top qualifications. Tie your strengths directly back to Actalent’s needs.
How to Answer
Reiterate your most relevant skills/experience and how they would uniquely benefit Actalent. Share key differentiators like specialized expertise, awards earned, or industry connections. Enthusiasm for the role goes a long way too.
Example: “Beyond my decade of directly-relevant engineering experience, I also bring deep knowledge in optimizing quality control processes based on my six sigma green belt certification. This expertise in defect reduction could help enhance operational excellence. I’m also deeply committed to Actalent’s values of diversity, equity and inclusion, as demonstrated by my 3 years of volunteering as a STEM mentor for underrepresented youth. My blend of technical capabilities, process improvement knowledge, and passion for the work make me an ideal fit.”
9. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
Actalent wants people who are engaged and curious about the company. Bring thoughtful questions.
How to Answer
Prepare 2-3 questions that demonstrate your interests, such as:
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How do you foster professional development and growth for employees?
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What are the key skills and values you look for in engineers/scientists?
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What exciting projects can I expect to work on in my first 6 months?
10. Are You Willing to Travel for Work if Needed?
Actalent needs to know you can be flexible as project demands fluctuate.
How to Answer
Assert your willingness and ability to travel when necessary. Share any past experience traveling for work. Emphasize you are comfortable being mobile and able to adapt to changing circumstances.
Example: “Absolutely. In fact, I had the opportunity to travel to client sites about 20% of the time in my previous role and always
What values are important to Actalent that entry-level or internship applicants should be aware of?
Actalent has what we call acting values, but they’re essentially our core values. These values are embedded into our culture and in everything that we do. So, those values are attitude, character, trust, achievement, legacy, effort, acting now, and teamwork. People can give us a lot of feedback because we care a lot about their development and growth. We’re very committed to our colleagues, clients, and consultants. We place a huge emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion and our corporate social responsibility partnerships.
What can entry-level or internship applicants do in this competitive market to set themselves apart?
If you want to be better prepared for an interview after applying, I would suggest that you learn more about the company and the job. You want to be prompt and confident in the skills that you bring to the table. There are also behavioral-based questions that are common in interviews, so you want to make sure that you give examples from your experience that make you stand out from other candidates.
For example, instead of using a group project you had to lead in school, try using a club or sports team experience or even work experience where you had to lead a group in a different way. This is because those are experiences that other students might not have when they leave school. This is important: you want to use examples that make you stand out in the interview, not examples that the interviewer has heard from other candidates. I would strongly suggest pulling from the unique experiences that you do have outside of the classroom setting.
At the end of the interview, it’s best to have three to five questions ready, but you can also look up interview questions on Google. Candidates and recent college graduates should really think about what values they want from a job or an employer, and then they should ask questions that are based on those values and what’s important to them.
If you want to grow or develop, you should ask things like, “Do they have a mentorship program?” “How often should I expect a review or touchpoint with my manager?” and “How does my manager give feedback?” You should also ask about ongoing training or ways to move up. This could be culture, work-life balance, or growth. Think about what’s important to you, and then ask questions. After all, communication works both ways, right?
As an employer, we’re interviewing a candidate to make sure they’re a good fit, but we also know that the candidate is interviewing us to make sure we’re a good fit for them. You should ask questions that will help you figure out if it’s the right job for you.
I can give you two questions off the top of my head that I think are vital. When did you receive or give constructive criticism to help someone else grow? Next, I’d like to ask you a behavioral-based question: when did you have to overcome obstacles to reach a goal?
We Are Actalent
FAQ
What is the star method when interviewing?
Why should we hire you?
What is your strength and weakness answer?
How do I prepare for an interview at actalent?
Prepare yourself for your interview at Actalent by browsing Interview questions and processes from real candidates.
What is the interview process like at actalent?
See what people said about the interview process at Actalent. Phone interview with account manager and then with the client. They definitely keep you updated. Obtuse – It’s skillset oriented to determine if you can perform the tasks. The real interview comes when they are placing you for the contract.
What’s it like working at actalent?
I can tell you how Actalent are all about harassment, gaslighting, threatening your job position, retaliation if you DARE say or report anything that remotely questions the ethics or policies of the company you work for. Plus the pay grade is shit too, you’ll work for pennies as a raise. No performance reviews even when requesting it.
How long did it take to get a job at actalent?
The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Actalent (Fort Worth, TX) Was interviewed initally by a recruiter followed by someone at the company, followed by 3 other engineers who would have been my supervisor. There weren’t any technical questions, though I talked so much on the questions they did ask that they may not have had time to get to them.
